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MD HB1536

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Lesley Lopez

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Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Prohibits persons (including state/local government employees, contractors, and sheriffs) from knowingly aiding immigration enforcement in ways that violate constitutional rights, unless required by judicial warrant or state/federal law

  • Defines "aiding immigration enforcement" as providing warrantless access to restricted areas, sharing personal information with immigration authorities, or detaining individuals by force or deceit to make them accessible to immigration authorities

  • Requires anyone who interacts with immigration enforcement to document cooperation instances, retain records for at least 5 years, and notify affected individuals whose information was shared

  • Authorizes civil lawsuits by injured persons and Attorney General enforcement actions, with courts able to award economic/noneconomic damages, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, and civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation

  • Allows the Board of Public Works to void or condition state procurement contracts with violators, and permits licensing authorities to suspend or revoke professional licenses for violations; effective October 1, 2026

Legislative Description

Maryland Enforcement Limits and Transparency (MELT) Act

Records

Last Action

Hearing 3/11 at 2:00 p.m.

3/11/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available